Summary
By the riverfront and perched on the bluffs, Quincy is an idyllic city adjacent to the Mississippi River in western Illinois. During the peak of the Mississippi steamboats era, this settlement emerged as a central hub for commerce and transportation.
This historical significance is evident throughout Quincy’s tree-lined streets, elegant parks, and neighborhoods adorned with exquisite architecture.
Fortunately, Quincy’s principal attractions are located within stunning edifices from that period, offering an opportunity to explore more than 100 local landmarks, including approximately 20 sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
1. Historic Downtown
Utilizing the notable Washington Park as your starting point, it is advisable to spend a pleasant few hours exploring Quincy’s historic center. Emerging during the city’s prosperous period as a commercial epicenter, numerous elegant structures can be found, reflecting architectural styles that range from Italianate to Richardsonian Romanesque.
Downtown is undergoing a revitalization process, offering a selection of locally owned restaurants, particularly in the blocks just east of Washington Park.
Structured in a square layout, that park has maintained its dimensions for nearly 200 years and was the site of the sixth Lincoln-Douglas debate in 1858. In the summer, there is a farmers’ market on Saturday mornings, alongside live music events on the 2nd and 4th Friday evenings.
Continue your exploration in the stunning East End, which was home to notable figures from the city’s 19th century, as well as the South Side German Historic District, where the influence of German architecture is evident.
2. Quincy Museum
Among the beautiful residences in Quincy’s Historic East End District is the striking Newcomb-Stillwell Mansion, a prime example of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture and an excellent venue to learn about local history.
Constructed in 1890-91 for Richard F. Newcomb, the founder of the Quincy Paper Company, the Quincy Museum showcases a facade composed of rough-hewn Berea sandstone blocks and is richly adorned with carvings from the ground level to the chimney tops.
Uncommonly for its time, the residence utilized steam heat, and the basement accommodates a furnace, hot water heater, wine cellar, laundry, and even a bowling alley.
On the first floor, visitors can marvel at the spectacular restored interiors, complemented by 14-karat gold woodwork, while the upper levels house intriguing exhibits detailing the city’s history.
3. History Museum on the Square
The Historical Society of Quincy & Adams County has established a remarkable museum in this splendid building located on the southwest corner of Washington Park. The History Museum on the Square is housed in the former Quincy Public Library (1888), which showcases Romanesque Revival architecture using rusticated stone.
A striking feature is the grand, three-story circular tower above the main entrance. Inside, both permanent and rotating exhibits on the history of Quincy and Adams County await visitors.
Engaging artifacts from pioneer times, information about the Mormon exodus from Missouri during the winter of 1838-39, illustrations by Edward Everett (1794-1865), and fascinating details about the impressive Washington Square situated in front can be discovered.
This building previously accommodated the Gardner Museum of Architecture and Design, thus retaining a wealth of interesting artifacts. A remarkable display of stained glass, featuring works by Frank Lloyd Wright and Tiffany & Co., along with a delightful sculpture garden, can also be found on the museum grounds. During a recent visit, I found the exhibition on Quincy’s golden age particularly captivating.
4. Villa Kathrine
Perched on the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi, Villa Kathrine presents an architectural style reminiscent of Moorish courtyards, commissioned in 1900 by the wealthy and unconventional Quincy resident W. George Metz, who admired Mediterranean design.
Steeped in myth, the structure was reportedly built for a woman who captured Metz’s affection, although she ultimately declined to reside with him. For over a decade, Metz lived here alone with only his Great Dane, Bingo, for company, albeit hosting extravagant gatherings.
It is said that the spirit of Bingo haunts the mansion, which underwent a 20-year restoration completed in 1998, with one tale suggesting the canine is buried with a substantial amount of gold somewhere on the grounds. Tours of the property, available every day, provide the chance to appreciate its patio, reflecting pool, harem, and exquisite craftsmanship throughout.
5. John Wood Mansion
The Historical Society of Quincy and Adams County is also responsible for the preservation of the prestigious Greek Revival residence belonging to Illinois’ 12th Governor, John Wood (1798-1880).
Wood was the founder of both the City of Quincy (1835) and Adams County (1825), moving into the mansion in 1837 after previously residing in a two-story log cabin.
This monument captures attention instantly with its pedestal and four grand Doric columns, which Wood himself crafted on a custom lathe.
The John Wood Mansion has been under the society’s stewardship since 1906 and is filled with period furnishings and artifacts belonging to the Wood family.
The property also houses the aforementioned log cabin from 1835, along with a visitors center, which was established in 1986 featuring an interesting exhibit on Quincy during the Lincoln era.
6. Quincy Art Center
This non-profit art museum is located in Quincy’s picturesque East End Historic District. Devoted to contemporary Midwestern art, the Quincy Art Center boasts a history dating back to 1923 and occupies a beautifully converted carriage house on a large estate.
Built in 1887, the Quincy Art Center includes a modern wing added in 1990. The permanent collection features over 400 works by both national and regional artists across various mediums, including drawing, painting, sculpture, posters, and prints.
Visitors can enjoy selections from this collection during short-term exhibitions, which include a dynamic variety of solo and themed shows, as well as the annual Members’ Exhibit and the Biennial Quad-State Exhibition.
7. Clat Adams Bicentennial Park
Tucked between the Quincy Bayview Bridge in the north and the Quincy Memorial Bridge in the south lies a scenic waterfront park where visitors can pause and appreciate the beauty of the river.
In addition to providing splendid vistas, Clat Adams Bicentennial Park also serves as an ideal venue for public events during the summer months.
A series of outdoor concerts are held at the elegant blue and white gazebo, making it one of the best locations in the country to enjoy the fireworks display on the 4th of July.
8. All Wars Museum
Located on the north side of Quincy, the historic Illinois Veterans’ Home, established post-Reconstruction, stands as one of the oldest and largest complexes of its kind in the United States, dating back to 1886.
This expansive facility has often been referred to as a “city within a city,” maintaining its own bank, post office, cemetery, chapel, and even a television station.
Another noteworthy aspect of this travel destination is the All Wars Museum, which has been operational for over 30 years, housing thousands of artifacts illustrating military history from the American Revolution to contemporary conflicts.
Visitors will encounter preserved uniforms, field equipment, vehicles, artillery, small arms, blades, posters, flags, maps, photographs, and much more.
9. Bill Klingner Trail
For those seeking a natural experience, the Bill Klingner Trail, nearly 2.5 miles in length, runs west to east from Bob Bangert Park, alongside the Mississippi River to North 24th Street.
Named in honor of a long-serving Park District Engineer, this trail traverses the green corridor that flanks Cedar Creek, meandering through Quincy’s northern suburbs.
Ideal for walking, jogging, and cycling, the trail is completely devoid of motorized traffic, making it a wonderful community initiative, leading visitors through serene woodlands while providing access to amenities such as a playground and disc golf course.
10. Indian Mounds Park
This park, situated just inland from the Mississippi riverbank, offers an engaging yet poignant glimpse into the Native American heritage prevalent in this region of western Illinois.
Alongside the adjacent Woodland Cemetery, Indian Mounds Park houses some of the best-preserved Native American burial mounds found throughout the United States.
Informative panels are posted throughout the site, providing insights into the history and culture of the Potawatomi Nation, as well as Quincy’s role in the tragic Trail of Death (1838), during which many were forcibly relocated from Indiana to a reservation in Kansas.
The park also features a popular outdoor public pool equipped with a slide and spray equipment, and offers occasional views of the Mississippi.
11. Quincy Community Theatre
Located at the Oakley-Lindsay Center just south of downtown, Quincy Community Theatre is a cultural institution with a rich history and considerable acclaim. With a consistently high rating on Google, visitors can expect exceptional entertainment.
This community theatre, operating since 1923, serves as a beloved creative platform for the city, initially offering a diverse range of dramas, comedies, musicals, and mysteries at the Illinois Veterans Home.
In 1964, the company transitioned to the Trinity Parish Hall, and since 1995, it has found a home in the Oakley-Lindsay Center, featuring a state-of-the-art 500-seater auditorium.
Recent seasons have included a variety of productions such as Frozen, Mamma Mia!, Anne of Green Gables, Sweeney Todd, and Lady Windermere’s Fan.
12. Scotties Fun Spot
Positioned on Quincy’s eastern perimeter, this classic family entertainment center offers an extensive variety of activities and boasts a surprisingly rich history.
Scotties Fun Spot began as a rink established by Albert R. Scott (Scottie) in Carthage, IL, in 1936. The current venue, opened in 1979, has gradually evolved into a multi-faceted entertainment center since the 2000s. It is a fantastic destination for families.
The array of activities includes laser tag, mini-golf, go-karts, bumper cars, an arcade, mini-lane bowling, an interactive indoor playground, and, of course, roller skating.
The Winners Grill provides a crowd-pleasing menu featuring comfort food options like burgers, pizza, pretzels, tenders, nachos, and soft-serve ice cream.
13. Log Cabin Village
Situated on Quinsippi Island, just upstream from the Quincy Bayview Bridge, is a preserved collection of log structures reflecting historical significance dating back to the Lincoln era.
Constructed during the first half of the 19th century, these buildings were relocated to the island throughout the 1960s and 70s.
A brochure for a self-guided tour of the village is available, consisting of four log cabins, a log church, a stone smokehouse, and a corn crib.
For those interested in viewing the interiors, there are regular open days, or visitors can arrange a guided group tour.
14. Dogwood Festival
Every spring, Quincy celebrates the arrival of the season with this four-day festival held in late April or early May.
Coinciding with the spectacular blossoms of the namesake trees, the Dogwood Festival has been an annual occurrence for over half a century, exemplifying Quincy’s strong sense of community.
This region is among the northernmost locations where dogwood trees flourish, a fact duly celebrated with a grand parade along Maine Street, alongside various other lighthearted events, including amusements and vendors in Washington Park, a Little King and Queen pageant, and a family-friendly block party.
15. Hannibal, Missouri
An excellent expedition to consider during your visit to Quincy is the charming city of Hannibal, located just 20 miles south on the Missouri bank of the Mississippi.
Hannibal is famously recognized as the childhood home of Mark Twain (1835-1910), serving as the backdrop for both Tom Sawyer (1876) and Huckleberry Finn (1884).
Consequently, visitors can engage with a plethora of Twain-themed attractions in Hannibal, encompassing various sights, tours, and cruises.
Prominent activities include a visit to his Boyhood Home, along with the Mark Twain Cave, which served as inspiration for McDougal’s Cave in Tom Sawyer.
